Division of Rheumatology
Mehrnaz Maleki Fischbach, MD Division Chief
With a history dating back to the 1970s, the Division of Rheumatology at National Jewish Health was formally established in 1999. Today, it has grown into one of the largest, most respected rheumatology divisions in the state of Colorado.
Our mission is to deliver clinical excellence, foster program growth and advance academic purpose, with a focus on complex autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic disease. Within our division, we cultivate an environment in which intellectually challenging cases, subspecialty expertise and multidisciplinary collaboration are integral to daily practice.
Rheumatologic Disease Expertise
- Antiphosphlipid syndrome
- Behçet’s disease
- Bone health
- Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD)
- Gout/Pseudogout
- IgG4 related disease-retroperitoneal fibrosis
- Lupus/SLE
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
- Myositis
- Osteoarthritis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica/Gient cell (Tempral) arteritis
- Relapsing Polychondritis
- Rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis
- Seronegative Spondyloarthritis
- Sjögren’s disease
- Systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma)
- Vasculitis
- Undifferentiated Connective Tissue disease
Our faculty not only provides the highest level of care for patients with multisystem rheumatic diseases, but also shape new programs, expand patient access and contribute to the future direction of the division.
Mehrnaz Maleki Fischbach, MD
Division of Rheumatology Faculty
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Vivianne Allsop, MD
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Luz D. Cowell, AGPCNP-C
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Harry D Fischer, MD
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Ivana Ilic, MD
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Stuart S. Kassan, MD
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Mehrnaz Maleki Fischbach, MD
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Richard T. Meehan, MD, FACP
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Elizabeth Anne Regan, MD, PhD
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Lyndsey Roetker, AG-ACNP
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Smarika Sapkota, MD, RhMSUS
Patient Care
Hundreds of patients from throughout Colorado and the United States are referred to our clinical program each year for specialized evaluation of multisystem autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic disease.
Our clinical approach centers on thoughtful, evidence-based, multidisciplinary disease management. With an overarching goal to achieve remission whenever possible, we strive to improve quality of life, function and long-term outcomes for each and every patient.
Our rheumatologists and advanced practice providers work closely with colleagues throughout the organization to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Our physicians also regularly participate in multidisciplinary case conferences to discuss challenging patients and develop coordinated treatment plans.
Research
Division of Rheumatology faculty have a long history of contributing to the understanding and treatment of rheumatic disease. They have the opportunity to participate in a variety of research programs, including:
- Translational and clinical research
- Clinical trials
- Multi-omics investigations
- Imaging collaborations
Our faculty work closely with colleagues across a variety of disciplines such as pulmonology, cardiology, gastroenterology, immunology and more. Current research activities include collaborations with:
- Basic scientists and immunologists to better understand disease mechanisms and advance more precise, personalized care
- NASA scientists on joint ultrasound assessment before and after space flight
Education
Education is key to our mission. We are committed to developing knowledge and skills in others through diverse and collaborative teaching methods.
Faculty members are actively involved in educating a wide range of learners, including:
- Residents
- Fellows
- Medical students
- Advanced practice providers
- Other health care professionals
- International visitors
We use a variety of teaching methods such as hands-on clinical training, formal lectures, case conferences, and collaboration with other medical specialties to promote shared learning.
Faculty members also work closely with colleagues at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Rocky Vista University and Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver.
Throughout Colorado, we collaborate with primary care physicians to support patient education and timely referrals for individuals with complex rheumatologic diseases. We also partner with foundations to conduct patient education days and sponsor community walks.
